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Stroke is the distance travelled by an actuator in motion. This is a measurement of the capability of a linear actuator. The stroke will help you determine whether the actuator will work in tandem with your application. The measurement of stroke is imperative to the efficient and safe combination and usage of the actuator and mechanism it is connected to. Stroke helps determine key factors such as the weight capacity of the actuator, how much time will it take, the speed of the motion, and the force that can be generated. When purchasing an actuator, it is important to know the measurement of stroke to understand its capabilities.

Steps

Part 1

Detaching the Actuator

1

Disconnect the power supply to the application.

2

Detach the linear actuator from the mechanism.

Part 2

Measuring the First Length

1

Measure the length of the actuator in its retracted state. The length is measured from one end of the actuator to the centre of the pin or bolt hole, situated at the end of the actuator rod. This length is generally measured in inches. Make a note of this length and call it "Length B".

Part 3

Re-attaching the Actuator

1

Re-attach the actuator to the mechanism.

2

Switch on the power supply.

Part 4

Measuring the Second Length

1

Let the application actuate to its full capacity. Ensure that the actuator produces its motion entirely.

2

Measure the length of the actuator in its extended state. Measure from the end of the actuator to the centre of the pin or bolt hole. Make sure that the exact spot of measurement is the same as the spot of your earlier measurement. Make a note of this length and call it "Length A".

Tips

When checking the length at both times, make sure that the actuator is measured at the same precise places

Repeat the process a couple of times to get the precise stroke length

These steps can be utilized, when measuring the stroke of a hydraulic actuator as well. The only difference lies in the energy resource used. Instead of using an electric supply, you will be using pressurized hydraulic supply

Warnings

Only experienced professionals should open a device and handle its components

Before disconnecting the actuator, make sure the power supply is switched off

References

Article Info

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has also been viewed 8,062 times.